...In the grand scheme of things, our individual life is like being on a vacation, though admittedly, not always the most pleasant one. But haven't you ever been on a vacation gone bad? It happens. Recently in the news, many people have been going on cruises where hundreds of the guests ended up quite ill - a good example of vacations gone bad. Of course, life is a bigger journey than just a weeklong cruise; therefore we have many more opportunities for all kinds of experiences - good, bad, pleasant, and unpleasant.

At the end of this "life-vacation," our deepest soul also gets to go home - wherever that unknowable home may be. In fact, some say that our deepest soul has never left home, and that all the colorful phantasmagoria of life is but a dream in the mind of God, the Supreme Soul who "dreams" us all into existence.

If we identify only with the little us - who goes by our name and has all of our limited and individual personality and physical traits - then we are likely to experience the ups and downs of life as huge waves that may engulf us. All the troubles in life become so big and important. We ride the not-so-thrilling roller coaster of happy and sad, which never truly comes to rest in the depths of true spiritual happiness.

If, instead, we identify with our unknowable greatness, through knowledge, contemplation, and faith, then we become spectators of our own life. As spectators, we can enjoy the show, regardless of whether it is appearing as a drama, a comedy, or perhaps even a tragedy. We naturally see the inherent beauty and perfection of life. The key is to look at life as a play and to enjoy the show!


...more of this chapter is available in the book, "Secrets of Spiritual Happiness," by Sharon Janis.

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